Getting injured in a dog attack can mean expensive medical bills and a painful road to recovery. Dog bite victims in Mundelein have the right to file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, emotional distress and more. If you have suffered a dog bite, the Mundelein dog bite attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are ready to help you.

Dog Attack Injuries

Dogs have powerful jaws and the strength to knock people to the ground. Dog attacks can result in painful bite wounds as well as other severe, sometimes permanent, injuries. Along with causing physical injuries, they can also give rise to emotional and psychological trauma.

Dog bite victims in Mundelein should seek immediate medical attention. Here are some commonly reported injuries:

• Broken bones
• Facial scars
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Puncture wounds
• Rabies

Who is Liable in a Mundelein Dog Bite Incident?

Lake County has beautiful parks and outdoor areas. However, a relaxing time in nature can quickly turn distressing when a dog attack occurs.

Dogs are known to be territorial, dedicated to protecting their owners and homes at all costs. These tendencies are reflected in the numbers. In 2019 alone, 5,803 U.S. Postal Service workers suffered dog attacks.

In Mundelein and throughout Illinois, dog owners are liable any time their dog bites or attacks someone, regardless of a dog’s past good behavior. This holds as long as the dog bite victim was legally allowed to be in the place where the incident occurred and was “peaceably conducting himself or herself,” according to state law.

Some states exempt dog owners from legal responsibility the first time their dog injures someone, provided they did not have a reason to believe the canine was dangerous. However, there is no “one bite” rule in Illinois. Negligent Mundelein dog owners can be held accountable through a personal injury lawsuit showing how they breached responsibility, such as by failing to restrain their dog.

Damages Available to Dog Bite Victims

Filing a personal injury lawsuit allows Mundelein dog bite victims to recover fair compensation for their injuries and all injury-related costs. Insurance claims data shows that Illinois was among the top five states with the most dog bite incidents in 2019, with 854 claims. Fortunately, the state does not have a cap for personal injury damages. Damages can include the following, depending on the details of your case:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds and American bulldogs are considered the most dangerous dog breeds in the United States. In 2019, pit bulls were responsible for 33 out of 48 dog-related deaths. In Illinois, however, the dog does not have to be from a dangerous breed for dog bite victims to receive compensation.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

If you are looking to get compensation for your dog bite injuries, it is crucial to act fast. In most cases, you have two years from the date of a dog attack to bring a personal injury claim.

Once the two years expire, you lose your right to pursue legal action to recover damages. A knowledgeable Mundelein dog bite lawyer can make sure you do not miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand the costs and challenges of personal injury claims from dog bites and other animal attacks. Discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate Mundelein dog bite attorney.

We are available to answer all your questions and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.